Towers School Band entered the CBC Music Class competition. Love them-https://youtu.be/MLrp4cZVgpw?feature=shared

We did it again. In two short months (15 classes) my students and I chose a concert theme, songs, instruments, and created arrangements and a concert plan. From “Fireworks” to “In the End” the audience sang along and we jammed. First time in my career I’ve led from my spot in the class bands, facing out towards our supportive audience. Added bonus-and reason for fall concert date-was our use of Dholaks (Indian drums) on loan from the TDSB Music Department.

Our Music room window is a popular place for kids to wave hello and communicate with one another. I love being a part of this student music community.

We set up for parent/teacher interview evening and met our goal of making enough to pay for our concert lights rental. “Thank you for supporting our Music program!”

When students need a challenge in ensembles I get out our ubass and the tattered cheat sheet I made when the school opened. I teach them what I know and tell them that I’ll plug them in when they feel ready. It never takes long.

Every year I dream up different ways for my students to share their favourite songs with me and others. This year a bulletin poster paper is filled…with Kpop Demon Hunters. Secretly my 45 (!) piece Towers School Band learned “Golden” for our first all school assembly and the  kids (and some teachers) screamed with glee (and high As)!

The TDSB’s Community Music Program circulates Instrument Kits to multiple schools each year-and they include some time with an Instructor/Specialist. We have the Indian Percussion Kit for this fall and Dhaivat Jani taught my seven Gr. 5-8 classes, and me, all about the Dholaks. Now these classes and I are using these drums in our concert preparation while my younger students are using them to compose. “Ta” “Ge” and “Dha” are used to communicate rhyth

I just finished listening intently to each of my 400 students play a riff and 3 chord progression of choice and challenge – their musician hands got stronger (with only a few strumming blisters)!

This poster got my students and their families chatting and laughing with me at Curriculum Night. In September I teach similar lessons to all 400 of my students so that siblings, friends, and families bond over Music classes…our music community builds.

https://cmea.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=835b572e7acd38137f8a36cb1&id=444289fb14&e=cf263e6881

Go to page 18!!!